Dog Walking Company in San Diego, CA

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why hire Your BUDDY & Me?

The peace of mind of knowing that your animal will be taken care of in a loving and compassionate manner is what keeps people coming back to Your BUDDY and Me time and again. Your BUDDY and Me treats your animal the same as you would treat him/her.

Does Your BUDDY & Me take care of other animals besides dogs?

Your BUDDY and Me is available to care for cats, dogs, hamsters, turtles and fish. If you have another type of pet, feel free to ask!

What areas do you serve?

Your BUDDY and Me serves Downtown San Diego, Little Italy, Bankers Hill, Mission Hills, Hillcrest, North Park and Kensington. Feel free to give us a call and check to see if we have expanded to serve your area.

What is the best way to reach us?

The best way to reach us when we are out wrangling dog is by sending a detailed text or giving us a call at 619-549-4749. We are available by phone between the hours of 9 am and 7 pm daily. If you reach our voicemail, please leave a detailed message and we will return your call as quickly as possible.

New client calls are normally returned in the early evening. We have a 10-minute phone consultation with all new clients where we gather the following information:
name, breed, gender, age, personality type, and type of services requested.

What are your hours of operation?

Our normal contact hours are from 9 am - 7 pm. Outside of these hours, we will always try to accommodate the specific needs and schedules of our clients.

Why is it important to do a Meet & Greet?

Your BUDDY and Me believes that the interview process is an important time for us to evaluate your dog’s behavior; it also helps determine if your dog is a good fit for the excursions and vice versa. If you decide to use Your BUDDY and Me services, we will provide you with a service agreement, which should be returned to us completed and signed prior to our first scheduled service. There is no fee for the initial consultation.

What is the Client Service Agreement?

In order to provide a safe and fun environment for all our dogs and our clients, Your BUDDY and Me keeps a detailed service agreement for every animal on our books. This agreement includes important information including walk schedule, feeding schedule, your contact information, vet information, general routines, and any household or pet quirks (we all have them!). All of this information is kept in a confidential file. The more Your BUDDY and Me knows about your animal, the better the overall experience will be for you and for them. The service agreement allows us to make sure we are following the routine as you would and make the proper decisions about your pet’s well being in your absence. This agreement must be completed, signed and returned prior to your dog going out on excursions for liability and insurance purposes. You will receive a copy for you records.

Why must you fill out a veterinarians form?

Your BUDDY and Me provides socialization and exercise for your dog. There is a minimum risk of injury when multiple dogs are out on excursions. Your BUDDY and Me takes all precautions to avoid these situations, but occasionally things happen beyond our control. In the event something happens to your animal while in our care, we will know exactly how you would us to handle the situation if you cannot be reached by phone. This form allows you to make any and all decisions about your animal’s well being.

Why does my dog need exercise?

The benefits of daily exercise and mental stimulation are essential for your dog’s well being. Dogs are consummate explorers. They love to see, smell and experience new things. Most behavioral problems in dogs arise out of isolation, boredom, lack of exercise and socialization. Your BUDDY and Me playgroups are a great way to exercise and socialize your dog in supervised group excursions to leash-free dog parks and beaches.

What is your Excursion Package Policy?

Your BUDDY and Me offers excursion packages of two, four and six weeks. Your dog’s space is reserved specifically for him or her for the entire duration of the package you choose. This is important because groups are formed according to dog’s personalities, likes and dislikes. For this reason, we require fourteen days notice if you do not wish to have your dog continue for additional excursions so that we have time to fill his or her spot in the group. If your dog cannot join the session for the day please inform us at least 48 hours in advance to schedule a make-up day. We do not give credits for days missed.

I need to schedule a visit for today. Can you help me?

We will make every effort to honor same day requests if your dog is an existing client of Your BUDDY and Me and your service agreement is completed and signed. There is a $5 fee for last minute requests, in order to adjust the schedule to accommodate your pet.

Why is there a two-hour window to take my dog out?

Your BUDDY and Me makes every effort to arrive at the requested time. However, there are some occasions where flexibility is required in order to pick up all participating dogs. If you have a special request, please feel free to text or call and we will endeavor to accommodate your needs whenever possible.

What is your Cancellation Policy for excursions and dog walking?

We adhere to a strict NO OVERBOOKING policy for the animal’s safety. Once you have contracted services, we will turn away business in order to accommodate your schedule. However, Your BUDDY and Me understands that things happen beyond our control so we do try to accommodate last minute changes wherever possible.

We ask that you give us 48 hours notice for changes or cancellations in order to ensure all our clients receive first-rate service. If we show up and you forgot to cancel, it is charged in full as an outing or a visit.

What Payment Methods does Your BUDDY & Me accept?

We accept Cash and Personal Checks. We cannot accept credit cards at this time. Please make checks payable to Your BUDDY and Me.

What is your Payment Policy?

Your payment is due in advance on the first of the month for any services arranged for that month. A late fee of $10 or 10%, whichever is greater, is assessed on overdue payments. Late or non-payments may necessitate us to require advance payment for future services. For pet-sitting clients, a 50% deposit is required to reserve your services at the time of request and the balance is due one week prior to the pet sitting engagement.

Do you offer your services during Holidays?

We are happy to provide all services on holidays; we charge a $10 service fee per visit. We suggest clients contact us well in advance, as holiday times tend to fill up quickly. Holidays are New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Does Your BUDDY & ME keep dogs all day?

Your BUDDY and Me understands there are some days that you may need to get your dogs out of the house for repairs and we will do our best to accommodate these types of requests. Please ask about our rates and availability.

Why do you need two sets of keys?

Your BUDDY and Me keeps two sets of keys on file in case there is ever a problem accessing your property. Having an extra set of keys allows us to make sure your pet(s) can still be visited. One set of keys is given to the Dog Wrangler, and the other is safely stored "just in case." We believe it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to getting your animal out of the home. For emergency and security reasons, we do not leave keys inside your home during our last visit. Keys will only be released to clients.

Are the keys on a marked ring?

All keys are kept on an unmarked RING. Your BUDDY and Me does not mark the keys and strongly discourages stashed keys but if you prefer to have one used or leave your door unlocked, you must sign a property release form for insurance purposes. There is always the risk that someone will see the key being replaced in your hiding spot and our insurance does not cover this type of exposure.

Is Your BUDDY & Me licensed and insured?

Does Your Buddy & Me pick up and drop off the dogs?

For your convenience, your BUDDY is picked-up and dropped off at your home for a fun-filled hour of adventure. These field trips are an excellent way to stimulate their minds while improving their health. When you come home, you will be happy to find to well-behaved calm companion.

Does Your BUDDY & ME ride bikes with the dogs?

The bike trips are at Fiesta Island in the leash-free fenced-in area. Bike excursions are great for high-energy dogs, hard to tire dogs and can last about an hour and half hour depending on the dogs. We ride around the island a few times, stop for water and playtime before heading out for another mini ride. The dogs get a lot of exercise during these trips.

Are there risks involved in the excursions?

An open play environment is extremely beneficial to many dogs. However, along with the rewards there are some risks and there are safety requirements that need to be enforced for the safety of all the dogs. Like children on a playground, playing with other children, it is not uncommon for dogs to get bumped, bruised, and scratched from playing together. I do not allow rough play, however sometimes they do get overzealous. If a dog misbehaves, I will leash him or her up for a short time-out to calm them down.

What should I expect in the beginning?

If your dog is not acclimated to the exertion of playing hard and exercising, they may develop any of the following after their first excursion: diarrhea (stress colitis), vomiting (sometimes they ingest saltwater), general soreness, extreme fatigue, excessive thirst and ear infections (please keep them clean/dry and check regularly). Most of these symptoms are similar to when we start going to a gym, and exercising different muscles, pushing ourselves physically – we are sore! We start all dogs at the same level – SLOW, and work them up, but every dog has a different endurance level. Please inform us of any of these symptoms, and remember that the more your dog participates in the excursions, the less likely these things are to develop.

How do I prepare my dog for doggie excursions?

Make sure your dog has its collar and tags. Your BUDDY and Me supplies its own leashes and even has waterproof collars available; just ask to have one put on your dog. Feed your dog so it has time to digest its food before going out on an excursion. We can feed your dog, if necessary. Please provide us with his or her favorite food.

Does my dog get treats on the excursions?

You decide if you want your dog to have treats. Your BUDDY and Me does not overuse treats, but when a dog starts outs in the excursions, it can be helpful to use treats to encourage good behavior.

How do I know my dog has gone out?

Your dog will be content, thankful and happy when you get home. Your BUDDY and Me believes communication is important and leaves detailed report cards with the time of pick-up, drop-off and any notes about what happened while we were out. In the beginning, we can send text messages to let you know that we have your dog so you are rest assured that your animals have been taken care of.

How does Your BUDDY & Me inform me of any potential issue with my pet?

Your BUDDY and Me will text message or call about anything they find unusual and would like you to do the same. Your animal’s well being is very important to us. If you notice any changes in behavior, please let us know.

What are the benefits of having my dog walked vs. the excursions?

Your BUDDY and Me understands that some dogs do well in the groups and others do better without the added stimulation. We offer solo walks that guarantee your dog receives our undivided attention. Individual walks are especially helpful for dogs recovering from illness or injury, seniors and dogs that are not especially social. Exercise helps our four-legged friends stay in shape. Daily walks help improve their mood as well as discourage behavior problems and indoor accidents. Your dog will thank you!

Why must dogs be on a flea treatment?

We require that all dogs are on a flea control program year-round. We recommend Comfortis (prescribed by a vet), K-9 Advantix or Frontline Plus. Please check with your Veterinarian to confirm the best product for your pet.

How often are Your Buddy & Me vehicles cleaned?

The interiors of both vehicles are rinsed out weekly and disinfected mid-week to avoid any risk of bacterial infections. We keep water for the dogs in the vehicle and the water bowls are washed and cleaned regularly. During the hotter months, the vehicles are sprayed regularly for fleas.

What is the age requirement for dogs to join the groups?

As long as your pet has had all necessary vaccines, they are welcome to join the excursions.

Do you take un-neutered dogs on excursions?

All dogs must be neutered/spayed by the age of 6 months. Your puppy may still participate in activities provided that they have not surpassed the age requirements. Un-neutered male dogs over the age of six months will not be allowed on the excursions.

What if I don’t want my dog to go to the beach?

Your BUDDY and Me understands that some dogs need a bath after a beach visit. We will always ask before taking them and are happy to rinse off the excess sand, if you have a preferred spot for us to use.

What do you do on rainy days?

Your BUDDY and Me has found that the dogs seem to love the park when there’s a light sprinkle. I have many different sized raincoats to loan them so they don’t get all muddy and we are happy to wipe their paws off before dropping them. On really rainy days, Your BUDDY and Me will bundle them up in raingear and take them for walks. Luckily, in San Diego we only had two heavy rain days last year so it doesn’t happen very often.

In the beginning, Your BUDDY and Me takes the dogs to a fenced in area until they get to know us and we are assured they will not take off. Because this is an open play environment, in which your dog will be off-leash in designated “safe areas” (Dog Beach, Fiesta Island, dog parks and wilderness trails) I need to have your assurance that your dog is not a “runner”. Some dogs just take off! If you have a dog that does this, they may not be able to participate in the excursions for safety reasons.

Why must I provide proof of vaccinations?

All Vaccines must be kept current. You are responsible for providing Your BUDDY and Me with written confirmation of immunizations every time you update the vaccines. The annual vaccines that are required are: Rabies, Bordetella (kennel cough), DHPP. Please note that all dogs are required to have a Bordatella vaccination and provide proof every 6 months.

Why do you recommend a vaccination against Giardia?

Your BUDDY and Me suggests that you consult with your veterinarian about the vaccination against Giardia (this is a waterborne microscopic parasite that can cause diarrhea and has to be treated with an antibiotic).

My dog may be ill. How does Your BUDDY & Me deal with sick dogs?

If you are not sure about your dog’s health, we ask that you keep them home to see if their health improves. Please do not allow dogs on excursions if you are not sure because they can infect other dogs. Dogs with contagious illnesses, such as Giardia or Kennel Cough, will not be admitted and cannot return until medication is finished and verbal OK from your veterinarian has been given. Please inform Your BUDDY and Me about your dog's health as soon as anything arises. We care about all our animals.

What about aggressive dogs?

Aggressive dogs are not allowed! If your dog is deemed aggressive during his or her screening, or if your dog becomes aggressive during an excursion, we will discontinue service and offer you a refund.

I love the photos in the Peanut Gallery. Can I purchase photographs of my animals?

High quality prints are available for purchase.; just ask for a price list. It takes two weeks to get the images returned from the photo lab. Your BUDDY and Me also offers private portrait sessions for you and your pet.

What do you do on Puppy visits?

Puppies have additional needs on top of exercise and relief; they need to learn how to behave and what is expected of them as well as proper socialization and reinforcement of positive behaviors. Our puppy program will help your puppy indoors at first both providing plenty of love and attention in your absence, keeping to your feeding schedule and reinforcing any training you are doing be it through a crate, wee pads, etc... We will work with you/your vet and/or your trainer to make sure your puppy is on track to grow up into a healthy, happy, well-socialized adult.

What do you do on vacation visits for cats?

Not only do our daily visits provide the perfect diversion for your feline friends, they help ensure the kitty's comfort, safety and health when you can’t be with them. And remember, the more the merrier: there is no additional charge if you have a multiple kitty household! For your convenience, we offer once or twice daily visits — you decide! Each visit include 30 minutes of playtime and attention, food and water replenished, litter box cleaning, necessary medications, daily pet updates, mail and newspaper collection, plant watering, rotating of blinds and lighting.

What do you do on vacation visits for dogs?

Home-based vacation care is a stress-free alternative for dogs that don’t tolerate boarding or just prefer to be at home. Your pets avoid exposure to illness from other animals. Our visits combine activity and companionship with a familiar environment reducing anxiety and boredom and hopefully eliminating indoor accidents and destructive behavior. We highly recommend adding a mid-day excursion to have your dog completely relaxed while you are away. Please note that we do not do one visit per day for dogs while you are on vacation. Each visit includes 30 minutes of a walk, playtime and attention, food and water replenished, necessary medications, daily pet updates, mail and newspaper collection, plant watering, rotating of blinds and lighting.

How does the pet taxi work?

Your BUDDY and Me understands your animal sometimes needs a ride to get to all spruced up, get some extra training or just a health check up at the vet. Just give us a call to check availability.

What if Your BUDDY and Me is not available?

Your BUDDY and Me networks with professional pet sitters and is happy to help you find a replacement if we are not available.

Can you recommend a good veterinarian?

Rio is happy to “RUF-fer” her veterinarians:
Rio and many of her excursion buddies visit Dr. Raffy Dorian, DVM, MPVM and Dr. Marla Saltzman, DVM at Market Street Veterinary Clinic located on 1051 Market Street San Diego, California 92101, when they need medical check-ups. The phone number is 619.230.1220 and website is www.marketstreetvet.com.

Rio also loves her visits with Dr. Keith Weingardt, DVM, and CVA at the Animal Healing Center on 1228 Vega Street, San Diego, CA 92110. Their phone number is 619.276.5900 and website is www.animalhealingcenter.net. Dr. Weingardt specializes in holistic healing and acupuncture for animals. Rio absolutely loves his approach to her check-ups; he sits down on the floor with her the whole time. Tell them Your BUDDY and Me referred you!

What pet store do you recommend?

Your BUDDY and Me highly "RUF- fers" City Dog for excellent service, pet supplies, flea control, high quality food and self-service dog washes. They also deliver free of charge to Your BUDDY and Me clients if you spend over $50 or they charge $5 for orders below $50. The owners, Chuck and Gary are always interested in the well being of your animals. Make sure to meet Bib & TJ (the City dog mascots) while you are there and tell them Rio says “woof”. City Dog is located at 545 Park Blvd. (in front of Market Street Trolley stop), San Diego, CA 92101. The phone number is 619.269.0201 and website is www.citydogsd.com. Check out City Dog’s K-9 Happy Hour events. For more information, sign up for their email list.

Do you know a great trainer private for lessons?

Your BUDDY and Me highly "RUF-fers" Zoe Stathis of Pawtopia Dog Training. Pawtopia believes that YOU are the most vital component of your dog’s training. As a result, Pawtopia not only teaches your dog but also shows you how to develop and manage new behaviors as well as address bad habits. She can be contacted at (o) 858.414.7797 or (c) 619.502.0082 and website is www.pawtopiatraining.com.